The Arizona Wildcats of the Pac-12 open their 2022 college football season at San Diego State where they take on the Aztecs of the Mountain West Conference. The Wildcats own a 10-6 advantage all-time over San Diego State, but throw out that ancient history because the Aztecs pummeled Arizona in their meeting last September, 38-14 — easily covering the spread. And they beat Arizona at Arizona. Now they are home for Saturday's game and they are 6 point favorites. Can the Aztecs win again over the Wildcats?
The Arizona Wildcats were terrible last year, to be blunt. Under coach Jeff Fisch, they finished 1-11 overall and 1-8 in the Pac-12, which placed them dead last. Among their losses was a 38-14 beat down by San Diego State in week two. After that loss, it was pretty clear that this would be a long season for Arizona. As we turn the page to 2022, expectations aren't much higher as most pundits expect the Wildcats to be last or at least near the bottom the the Pac-12 this season. Fisch had his hands full in the first full season at the helm, but the Wildcats should be more competitive and win a few more games than they won last season.
Feels good to be back. @jayden_delaura ?? @TMAC96795 pic.twitter.com/y5KGeQhp5U
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) August 21, 2022
Last year, the team was beset by injuries and they had a revolving door at the most important position, quarterback. This year that should be solidified with the arrival of Jayden de Laura, who transferred from Washington State. He will be a significant upgrade. And he now has a primary target in Jacob Cowing, who transferred in from UTEP. Cowing had 69 catches for 1,354 yards and 7 touchdowns a year ago. The offensive line was a major problem a year ago, but it should be improved with some returnees and new faces in terms of freshmen and transfers. That should help the running game, led by Drake Anderson who only had 385 yards on the ground as the leading rusher a year ago.
The defense last year gave up a whopping 31.4 points per game, which ranked 100th in the nation. But they have 8 starters back, including nose tackle Kyon Barrs and safety Christian Young. They also brought in linebacker Hunter Echols from USC and safety DJ Warnell from U CLA to shore things up.